Lifeguard Reportedly Impaled by Umbrella in Gruesome Accident

A lifeguard in New Jersey seemingly avoided disaster today when she was impaled by a beach umbrella but avoided serious injury.

According to reports, the incident occurred near Third Avenue in Asbury Park at around 9:30 a.m. Lifeguards and fire and medical personnel responded to a call of a female lifeguard being impaled with an approximately six-foot long umbrella.

“The umbrella went underneath her left shoulder and out the back,” Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy told the New York Post. "It was protruding by about a foot."

Because of the size of the object, the umbrella reportedly had to be cut into smaller pieces before the woman, who is believed to be 19 or 20 years old, was able to be transported to the hospital.  She was conscious and alert throughout the entire process.

"She's a tough young woman," Keddy told ABC News.

According to one of the victim's colleagues, who spoke with the Asbury Park Press, the woman was in the process of setting up her umbrella when a gust of wind got hold of it and the stake went through her body.

Beach umbrellas injure roughly 3,000 people per year, according to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission.

"Airborne beach umbrella incidents have become all too common in recent years. Beach umbrellas sent flying on crowded beaches by wind gusts have killed people and caused many serious injuries," said the CPSC.

"A voluntary safety standard is now in place to help manufacturers minimize the hazard from airborne beach umbrellas that has resulted in lacerations, impalements and even death."